Ports & destinations

Carrix joins San Pedro's West Harbor as equity partner

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 08 June 2025 08 June 2025

In a major step forward for West Harbor and the San Pedro, CA waterfront, Carrix has formed a partnership with San Pedro-based developer Jerico Development and acquired a significant equity position in the 42-acre West Harbor destination currently under construction at the Port of Los Angeles.

Carrix, one of the world’s largest independent marine and intermodal terminal operators, is the parent company of SSA Marine, a leading operator of container, conventional cargo, and cruise terminals across the Americas and in Vietnam. SSA Marine is dedicated to operational efficiency, innovation, and sustainable, community-centered development, and currently operates multiple terminals in the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, underscoring its deep roots and expertise in the region.

West Harbor, located along the main channel of the Port, will offer a dynamic mix of restaurants, retail and entertainment, including a mile-long promenade, an outdoor waterfront amphitheater, iconic waterside recreational attractions, and commercial vessel docks and piers. Strongly supported by the City, Port of Los Angeles and the local community, this long-anticipated project will help redefine the area’s retail and entertainment identity.

With Carrix joining as an equity partner, West Harbor gains not only a seasoned global investor, but a deeply engaged stakeholder with more than 75 years of experience in diverse marine terminal operations. This investment reflects Carrix’s confidence in West Harbor, the Port of Los Angeles, and San Pedro as an important Southern California destination. This equity partnership demonstrates a shared, long-term commitment to the project’s success and to advancing economic development and community benefits throughout the harbor area. From local hiring and union labor to support for small businesses and cultural programming, Carrix and West Harbor aim to ensure the benefits of revitalization are broadly felt across the community.

“We see this as a pivotal development for San Pedro and the region,” said Stefano Borzone, President of Carrix’s cruise division. “It aligns with our approach to long-term, community-focused investment and reflects our belief in the potential of the LA Waterfront. West Harbor offers a unique opportunity for residents and cruise visitors alike to enjoy all that the waterfront has to offer while celebrating the deep cultural and historical significance of the region.”

West Harbor welcomes the partnership, noting the alignment of values and the opportunity to build momentum.

“Attracting a partner of Carrix’s caliber and experience validates the tremendous value we have created through our public-private partnership with the Port and City of Los Angeles, and the San Pedro community,” said Eric Johnson, West Harbor’s Senior Project Executive. “Carrix’s capital investment strengthens our ability to deliver and enhance the quality of West Harbor’s built environment and guest experience – anchored by a unique, authentic, and fun collection of attractions – helping to ensure the long-term success of West Harbor as a community-centered waterfront.”

Jerico will retain a controlling interest in the project, ensuring continuity of the West Harbor vision and maintaining its deep commitment to the local community throughout the completion and operation of the project.

Together, Carrix and the West Harbor team are ushering in a new era for the San Pedro waterfront – one rooted in sustainability, community, and global appeal.

Port of Toulon celebrates milestone installation in France with ABB shore power technology

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 06 June 2025 06 June 2025

The commissioning of France’s largest-ever shore power solution for ships at the Port of Toulon has been completed. Operational since February 13, the installation is currently in its final acceptance period. The consortium responsible for delivering the installation was led by ABB, comprising also construction company Eiffage Construction and electrical installation company Fauché responsible for building and civil engineering services.

The facility now offers connections at 11kV and 6.6 KV voltage levels and frequencies of 50Hz or 60Hz, supporting both cruise and ferry formats. This allows supporting port calls by three ferries simultaneously, or one cruise ship. In addition, the port is equipped with the necessary technology to connect a 1MW hydrogen fuel cell system Today, it is the only operational solution in France capable of simultaneously supplying multiple vessels – ferries and cruise ships alike – from a single conversion station, thanks to a digitalized smart grid network architecture.

“The delivery of this project is an important milestone for Toulon Provence Méditerranée Metropolis as a leading Mediterranean port to provide shore power across all of its docks,” said Jean-Pierre Giran, President of the Toulon Provence Méditerranée Metropolis. “Located in the heart of the city, the port plays a central role in the business community and in the lives of our residents. With the support of our co-funders and partners – the European Union, the French State, the Sud PACA Region, the Departmental Council, and ADEME – we are eliminating over 80 percent of polluting emissions, saving 9,000 hours of diesel operation per year, and significantly reducing noise and vibrations. The reduction in sulfur emissions alone will be equivalent to those produced by 50,000 cars annually.

The shore connection system, developed and led by the Métropole and implemented by ABB, allows ships to turn off their diesel generators in port, supporting the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) targets for shipping to achieve net-zero emissions by or around 20501. As of the beginning of May, the Mediterranean has become the fifth IMO Emission Control Area for sulphur oxides and particulate matter, which means that ships operating in the area will be required to use marine fuel with reduced sulphur content.

The Port of Toulon handles around 1,500 calls from ferries, cruise vessels, and cargo vessels annually. With shore power available, the city will be able to significantly reduce carbon, SOx and NOx emissions and noise at berth. In addition, ship owners will save on fuel costs. The Toulon project is a key part of regional “Zero-smoke stopovers” plans for Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur (Région Sud PACA) which also include shore power for Marseille and Nice2 .

“Technically innovative, this project introduces a new smart grid network architecture using digital technology to manage energy flows from multiple interconnected sources,” said Frédéric Mestivier, designer and Technical Director of the electrification project for the Métropole Toulon Provence Méditerranée. “The infrastructure maximizes overall energy efficiency while minimizing the carbon footprint.”

The innovative system designed by Toulon Provence Méditerranée Metropolis integrates ABB equipment that can store energy ashore, helping to smooth out peak energy demand from vessels and balancing loads dynamically. This allows the system to work seamlessly with emerging renewable energy sources, with solar power and batteries already integrated, and helps to optimize the cost of energy delivered from the 20kV Enedis grid line.

“It has been an honor to contribute to Port of Toulon’s success in leading this innovative installation,” said Marcus Martelin, Service Line Manager for Decarbonization Services, ABB Marine & Ports. “This can be regarded as a milestone and a model example for all ports in the Mediterranean and globally. ABB’s shore power solution has established itself as one of the key technologies that continue to drive decarbonization in shipping.”

ABB has delivered a comprehensive scope of equipment, including battery energy storage and solar panel integration, as well as full engineering project management. As a leader in electric shipping and smart port technology, ABB offers a wide range of shore power solutions, including infrastructure onshore and onboard vessels. ABB’s shore connection technology has already been integrated by over 50 ports worldwide to drive maritime decarbonization.

Global Ports Holding strengthens partnership with Caribbean Tourism Organization

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 29 May 2025 29 May 2025

Global Ports Holding (GPH), the world's largest cruise port operator, has proudly joined the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) as an allied member, reinforcing its commitment to the sustainable development of the region’s cruise and tourism industries.

GPH currently operates cruise ports in several Caribbean destinations, including Nassau, The Bahamas; Antigua & Barbuda; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Saint Lucia, serving over 8 million passengers per year – a significant portion of the 22 million passengers that the company serves across 33 ports worldwide. Through its multi-million-dollar investments in port infrastructure, destination support, and passenger experience enhancements, the company has played a pivotal role in strengthening the region’s appeal to cruise travelers post-COVID 19.

This membership is particularly significant as the CTO recognizes the cruise industry as a vital component of Caribbean tourism. With millions of cruise passengers visiting the region annually, the CTO actively supports initiatives that enhance the cruise experience while ensuring economic benefits for local communities.

"We are honored to become an allied member of the Caribbean Tourism Organization," said Mehmet Kutman, Chairman & CEO of Global Ports Holding. "The Caribbean is a cornerstone of the global cruise industry, and through our membership, we look forward to working alongside the CTO to drive innovation, create new opportunities for entrepreneurs, and ensure that tourism growth in our region is sustainable and beneficial to local communities."

As an allied member, GPH will contribute to the CTO’s agenda by sharing insights on cruise port and industry development, destination development, sustainable tourism initiatives, and community engagement strategies. The company’s expertise in creating world-class cruise port experiences will support the CTO’s mission to position the Caribbean as the most desirable year-round warm-weather destination.

Mike Maura Jr., Regional Director of GPH Americas and CEO & Director of Nassau Cruise Port, highlighted the transformative impact GPH is making across the Caribbean. “Our substantial investments in regional ports have already resulted in upgraded infrastructure, enhanced passenger experiences, and increased economic benefits for host destinations. In Nassau, The Bahamas, for instance, annual passenger arrivals have exceeded pre-COVID records, reaching 4.4 million in 2023 and 5.6 million in 2024, following the completion of our $300 million port redevelopment. We anticipate significant growth in cruise line calls and passenger traffic in San Juan, Antigua & Barbuda, and Saint Lucia, as they too are undergoing multi-million dollar construction projects designed to achieve similar advancements.”

A team of executives from GPH Caribbean ports will participate in the CTO annual Caribbean Week summit in New York from June 1 – 6, 2025. The highly anticipated event addresses priority issues impacting the Caribbean and will bring together key stakeholders in tourism, technology, media, and marketing. With its membership in the CTO, GPH is eager to increase its impact by supporting policy initiatives, research, and collaborations that drive regional tourism success.

Photo: Nassau Cruise Port. Credit: Tucker Maura

Copenhagen inaugurates cruise shore power facility

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 05 June 2025 05 June 2025

On Monday, June 2nd, H.M. King Frederik X of Denmark officially inaugurated Copenhagen’s shore power facility for cruise vessels at an event at CMP's cruise terminals at Oceankaj. Addresses were made by EU Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen, Minister for Transport Thomas Danielsen, and Lord Mayor of Copenhagen Lars Weiss. At the quay, H.M. King Frederik X of Denmark declared the shore power facility open and called the ship's bridge with the words "Turn the power on".

The first ship connected to the facility was AIDAnova of AIDA Cruises, represented by President Felix Eichhorn.

The facility, developed by Udviklingsselskabet By & Havn, is Europe’s largest of its kind and complements CMP's shore power facility inaugurated in 2021 at Søndre Frihavn for the Copenhagen-Oslo line.

“The inauguration of the cruise shore power facility in Copenhagen is a proud moment for Copenhagen Malmö Port and a key milestone in the green transition of the sector. We are excited to begin operating this facility and to provide shipping lines like AIDA Cruises with clean energy while at berth. This initiative is fully aligned with our broader sustainability strategy, which includes fossil-free terminal operations and our ambition to reach net-zero CO₂ emissions by 2025. Together with our partners, we are committed to shaping a more sustainable future for the maritime industry,” said Barbara Scheel Agersnap, CEO of Copenhagen Malmö Port.

Sweden's second onshore power supply for cruise ships inaugurated in Stockholm

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations; Published: 15 May 2025 15 May 2025

Ports of Stockholm has taken another important step towards more sustainable shipping by inaugurating Sweden's second electricity connection for international cruise ships. Two facilities now enable more ships to connect to electricity at berth, reducing air emissions and noise levels. This strengthens Stockholm's position as a premium destination for sustainable cruise traffic.

Ports of Stockholm has now inaugurated Sweden's second facility for onshore power supply (OPS) for international cruise ships. The new facility was put into operation on 12 May when the Viking Jupiter was connected. Already last year, Ports of Stockholm inaugurated Sweden's very first electricity connection for cruise ships.

“The inauguration of Sweden's second onshore power connection for cruise ships is another important milestone for us and for the environment, and we are proud to be able to offer a more climate-smart solution for our shipping customers. It contributes greatly to creating a sustainable premium destination for cruise traffic, both in Stockholm and in the entire Baltic Sea region,” says Jens Holm, Chair of the Board of Ports of Stockholm.

The new high-voltage facility is built according to international standards and allows ships to switch off their auxiliary engines while at berth. This reduces emissions to air and also reduces noise levels. With the two facilities, Ports of Stockholm can connect about half of all cruise calls in Stockholm. The electricity used is 100% green and comes from renewable sources such as wind and hydro power.

Ports of Stockholm is working actively and long term in order to, together with its shipping customers, significantly reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and other air pollutants, and reduce noise levels from ships and port operations. Expanding onshore power access for ships is one of the key measures to achieve the objectives set. Together with three other Baltic Sea ports – Copenhagen/Malmö, Aarhus and Helsinki – Ports of Stockholm has received EU funding for the investment in onshore power supply at the centrally located quay Stadsgården 160.

Ports of Stockholm rewards shipping customers who implement environmental improvement measures. This is done through discounts on port fees for ships that achieve high environmental performance according to the Environmental Ship Index (ESI) and Clean Shipping Index (CSI). The discounts aim to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides and particles.

Cruise ships calling at Ports of Stockholm can discharge their wastewater at cruise quays. Four out of five of all international cruise ship calls in Stockholm use these facilities. However, not all vessels discharge wastewater during their call – many have advanced wastewater treatment plants onboard to treat it or store it in tanks for discharge at a later port. Ships are obliged to deliver their solid waste to port, and source-separated waste results in reduced waste fees.

Much of the ferry traffic in Ports of Stockholm has been connected to onshore power for a long time.

Photo: Stefan Scheja, Marketing Manager Ferries and Cruises at Ports of Stockholm